FORGER PLACED ON PROBATION

A Payson woman convicted of bilking local businesses and financial institutions out of thousands of dollars will not spend any time in prison.

Maria B. Coffey, 22, who pleaded guilty in August to four counts of forgery, was placed on intensive supervised probation Friday by 4th District Judge Boyd L. Park. Coffey earlier spent 90 days in the prison's diagnostic unit and was supposed to report to a halfway house once space became available.However, upon a recommendation from Adult Probation and Parole, Park said society would be better served if Coffey is able to work and pay restitution to her victims. He ordered Coffey to receive weekly therapy from the Gathering Place. Coffey was also ordered to return to court in 90 days for further review.

Coffey and her mother, Sonya Orozco, participated in a forgery scheme that bilked local businesses out of more than $100,000 between 1988 and 1990. One would distract an employee of a business while the other would steal personal items. They would then cash stolen checks at various financial institutions. Orozco is serving two one-to-15-year terms in the Utah State Prison for her part in the crimes.